Latest from NYSEG: 83,500 without power throughout New York state

Tuesday

Aug 30, 2011 at 4:25 PMAug 30, 2011 at 4:29 PM

ROCHESTER – About 83,500 NYSEG customers are currently without power in New York state.

An army of more than 1,400 NYSEG, Rochester Gas and Electric and contract crews and support personnel, some from as far away as Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebraska, are making solid progress in rebuilding the parts of NYSEG's electricity system damaged by Hurricane Irene.

Of the estimated 270,000 power interruptions thus far as a result of storm damage, NYSEG has restored approximately 186,000 services. Since Monday night, service has been restored to about 46,000 customers.

“We certainly understand how inconvenient and frustrating it is to be without power, and we appreciate our customers' patience and understanding as we go about our work,” said Mark S. Lynch, president of NYSEG and RG&E. “Despite the considerable challenges posed by hazardous and challenging working conditions, our people are making good progress. We will be on the job 24/7 until every customer has service restored.”

Based on the extent of the known damage thus far, NYSEG estimates the following power restoration timetable:

Brewster and Liberty divisions: 90 percent of remaining customers without power are projected to have service restored by Friday night; all power is projected to be restored early next week.

Oneonta Division: Road closures and accessibility issues continue to impede damage assessment and repair work. While some customers will have power restored in the next few days, it is likely that many customers will be without power into next week.

As estimated times of restoration are refined, they will be posted athttp://www.nyseg.com/Outages/outageinformation.html

Storm Stats – NYSEG Statewide Service Area

174,000 pounds of dry ice and 33,600 gallons of bottled water distributed to customers 2,500+ incidents of wires down 200+ broken poles 27 transmission lines locked out; 13 now back in service 19 substations out of service; 17 now back in service

During a power interruption

· Contact neighbors to see if their power is off. A loss of power may be the result of a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.

· Contact NYSEG (1.800.572.1131) to report a power interruption. Our telephone system lets callers report the problem, helps our crews respond quickly and efficiently, and provides customers with power interruption updates. Because many people may be trying to reach us during a power interruption, phone lines may be busy. Anyone who has access to a working computer during a power interruption can also report the interruption online at nyseg.com.

· Listen to a battery-powered radio for weather and power restoration updates.

· Turn off major appliances (electric water heaters, refrigerators and freezers) and sensitive electronic equipment (TVs, VCRs, DVD players, computers, audio equipment) to prevent overloading and possible damage when power is restored. Turning off this equipment may mean unplugging it, turning off a circuit breaker or removing a fuse for the circuit that provides power to this equipment. Leave one light switch “on” to know when power has been restored.

· Emergency generators can be dangerous. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions. Never run an emergency generator indoors; operate generators only outdoors in well-ventilated areas.

· Don't use a natural gas or propane range to heat your home.

· Never use outdoor grills or stoves inside.

· Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to prevent food from spoiling – most food will last 24 hours.

After power is restored

· If a basement or home was flooded, customers should have an electrician check the home and have a plumbing and heating contractor check natural gas appliances before contacting NYSEG to have services turned on.· Turn on appliances and sensitive electronic equipment one at a time to avoid overloading circuits.

· Replenish emergency supplies used during the storm.

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